Turkey carcass soup is a comforting, hearty dish that makes the most of every part of the turkey, turning leftovers into a rich, flavorful broth. After a big holiday meal, the turkey carcass often gets overlooked, but with a little time and effort, it transforms into a nourishing soup that’s perfect for cozy evenings or a family meal. This soup is a wonderful way to use up leftovers while creating something warm, satisfying, and full of depth.
The base of turkey carcass soup is the broth, made by simmering the turkey bones, skin, and any leftover meat with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The bones release their flavors as they cook, creating a rich and savory stock. Aromatics such as garlic, thyme, and bay leaves add complexity to the broth, and a touch of salt and pepper brings it all together. Depending on your preference, you can add herbs like rosemary or sage to infuse additional seasonal flavors.
Once the broth has simmered for a few hours, straining it removes any solids, leaving a flavorful liquid base. At this point, you can add diced vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas, and even some small pasta or rice for extra heartiness. For added flavor, some people like to toss in a splash of white wine or a drizzle of soy sauce, giving the soup an extra layer of richness.
Shredded turkey meat, pulled from the bones, is added back into the soup to make it even more filling. The result is a wonderfully balanced bowl of soup, where the savory broth combines with tender turkey and vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Turkey carcass soup is not only a great way to extend the life of your holiday turkey, but it also offers a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, freezes well, and provides a delicious, homemade meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers without wasting anything.
Ingredients
- 1 leftover turkey carcass from a roasted turkey
- 10 cups water
- 3 carrots chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover with 10 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
- Remove the carcass and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, pick off any remaining turkey meat and set it aside.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any debris.
- Return the broth to the pot and add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the picked turkey meat back to the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Turkey Carcass Soup.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out right. The broth was kind of bland. Maybe I forgot the thyme? Or was it rosemary? I dunno, but I’m disappointed.
Skeptical about using a carcass for soup, but my grandma always said waste not, want not. Surprisingly tasty! Who knew?!
This soup is so comforting! I didn’t know what to do with the leftover carcass, but now I’m a believer! Thanks for the recipe! ❤️
Why do you have to boil it for 1.5 hours? Seems excessive. Can’t just throw it all in and hope for the best?
Tbh the soup was kinda bland until I added extra pepper. Next time I’m also adding some bay leaf.
Totally feel you—mine tasted pretty flat at first too. Extra pepper (and a pinch more salt) made a big difference. Bay leaf is a great call for next time!
Bland until pepper… huh. I’d think all that turkey would carry the flavor. Maybe simmer longer? Also bay leaf is good but don’t overdo it—like 2 leaves max or it gets weird. 😅
I dunno about using a carcass, seems kinda gross to me. I’d just stick with fresh turkey.
I get what you mean, but using the carcass is actually a good way to make a rich broth! You might change your mind once you try it.
This soup was amazing! I never thought leftover turkey could taste so good. Will definitely make it again!
Can you just use chicken instead of turkey? I didn’t have a carcass and I really wanted soup.
Meh, not what I expected. I mean, it’s just boiled turkey bones, right? Didn’t taste like much.
Eh, it was okay. Just tasted like water with some veggies. I expected more flavor…but maybe I did it wrong?
Good base recipe. I added a bay leaf and a splash of Worcestershire and it bumped the flavor. Not necessary, but nice.
I didn’t have rosemary, so I swapped with oregano. Still good, but it tasted a little more Italian than “turkey soup.”
Sounds gross, not gonna lie. Who eats soup made from a carcass? 😂
Like, how do you get all the meat off the carcass? I ended up just throwing it away. Not my thing.
This was soooo filling! I just kept eating until I was stuffed. 10/10, will make again.
This soup is a lifesaver! I hate wasting food and this recipe uses the carcass perfectly. It’s so comforting.
I didn’t have thyme, used basil instead. Still turned out okay, I guess.
I think thyme is kinda essential for flavor… but good on you for making it work!
Basil works too! Glad it turned out okay. Sometimes cooking requires being flexible, right?
This is a great way to not waste a carcass. I added a bay leaf too (because why not) and it turned out richer than I expected. Veggies got tender in the extra 30 minutes. Family asked for seconds.
My grandma used to make something similar but she put in more spices. This was kinda bland. Sorry!
Not gonna lie, picking off the meat was kinda gross lol. But the soup is actually good. I can’t believe how flavorful the broth got.
I didn’t have thyme or rosemary, so I just put in some oregano. Still turned out good! #cookinghack.
Oregano is a great substitute! Glad to hear it turned out good for you. 😊
Sorry but I don’t get the point of soup from a carcass. Isn’t it all just bones and water? I tried it anyway and it wasn’t bad, just felt like effort for not a lot of payoff. Could use more seasoning or maybe noodles.
Used the carcass from last Thanksgiving and this tasted way better than I expected. The thyme/rosemary combo is perfect for a cozy bowl.
YO! This soup is bomb. I added some noodles and it was a hit with the kids. Thanks for the idea!
Best soup ever! I add rice to mine. Mmm!
I love adding rice too! It makes it so filling. Yum!
Yuck. I don’t know why you’d make soup from a carcass. Seems gross to me.
I don’t get why people would use a carcass. Can’t you just buy broth? Seems gross.
This soup is so good! I never knew you could make something delicious from a carcass. Perfect for leftover turkey!
Yummy soup = happy family! 😊
Yummy! I added some noodles and it was great. A nice way to use up leftovers after Thanksgiving!
Sounds delish! I’ll try adding noodles next time too. Great idea!
I tried to pick the turkey meat, but my hands were not cooperating lol. Still, the flavor is solid even with less meat.
Followed the recipe, but forgot the thyme. It was still okay, but like a bit bland. Will try again!
Sounds like a good start! Thyme really adds flavor, but at least you gave it a go. Next time will be better!
This soup is amazing! Made it with leftovers, so hearty and good.
Used chicken carcass instead of turkey, still great! Cooking is art, you can sub things!
I followed it pretty closely, but my broth came out a little bland. Could’ve been the salt step—”to taste” is vague when you’re using leftover broth that might already be salty. Next time I’ll salt earlier and maybe add a pinch of smoked paprika.
I think you’re right about salting timing. If the carcass flavor isn’t fully extracted yet, adding salt earlier can help it pop. Smoked paprika is a great idea too—adds depth fast.
Yeah “to taste” is brutal with leftover broth. I usually start with a tiny pinch of salt after straining, then adjust at the very end—otherwise it swings bland or too salty.
Eh, tasted kinda bland. I don’t know why everyone loves it.
I think you just need to add more spices or some hot sauce! This soup is so comforting when done right.
Too much prep for me. I’ll stick to microwave meals. No thanks.
Instructions were kinda confusing. I ended up boiling it for too long and lost some flavor. Not bad overall.
I know what you mean! I think the simmering time can be tricky. Next time, just keep an eye on it. Hope it still tasted good!
This soup was so good! I added some noodles just to make it heartier. Thanks for the great recipe!
I dunno, but makes me feel weird to eat something that was dead. Just me?
Too salty for my taste! Next time I will put less salt n pepper. Other than that, good!
Eh, not my favorite. I thought it would be more flavorful… Maybe I did something wrong.
Not flavorful?! That’s surprising! Soup is all about the broth, I thought this was good. Maybe you didn’t simmer it long enough?
I thought it had plenty of flavor! Maybe try adding some more herbs or a splash of lemon juice next time? Gives it a nice kick!
Yum! Super cozy and warm, perfect for winter nights. 🤤
OMG so good! My family devoured it! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!!
Great easy recipe! I added more garlic because I love it. Will definitely make this again.
Yum! Turkey soup! Made it twice already. Put in some corn, too. Makes the soup better. Try it!
I think I messed up somewhere—I simmered with the veggies immediately and it tasted kinda flat and muddy. Lesson learned: add veggies after straining.
Yum! I added noodles and it became a meal! Great recipe!
Noodles? Really? I think that sounds weird for soup. But if you liked it, go for it I guess.
That sounds delicious! Noodles are a great addition. I usually add some chili flakes for a kick!
Took a long time but worth it! Used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, made it twice now!
Wait, you made soup with a carcass? That sounds kinda gross. I thought you just threw that away.
Yum! Love that you’re using leftovers. Makes it so much better. I tried this too and the flavor was amazing!
Isn’t boiling bones a little gross? Just get some stock from the store!
Isn’t it just gross using a carcass? Idk, I can’t get past that.
I tried making this but ended up burning it. I think I left it on too long. It’s not bad but I just don’t get the whole carcass thing. Why not just use chicken?
I totally get it! Using chicken seems easier, but the carcass gives a unique flavor. Don’t give up, just watch it more closely next time!
I’m not sure about using a turkey carcass. Seems kinda gross to me. Is there another way to do this?
I made this with a ham bone instead, and it turned out great! Can you use any type of bones for this?
This is the best way to use leftover turkey! Tastes so rich! I never thought of making soup with the carcass.
Carcasses ain’t for soup! My mom used to say eat fresh meat only. Not for my family.
Tried it and the first hour was fine, but I think my carcass was too small because it didn’t feel very “meaty.” Next time I’ll use a bigger one or add more meat.
Wait—1.5 hours simmering with the whole carcass? Mine kind of tasted watery after straining. Like, flavor didn’t really concentrate. Still okay though. Maybe I should’ve simmered longer or reduced it more.
Wait, whole carcass simmered only 1.5 hours? Mine needs like 3 hours or it’s just… meh. Maybe yours didn’t get as much gelatin/fat extracted so it comes out thin.
Totally agree—if it was watery after straining, I’d reduce it a bit. I usually simmer the strained stock longer (or partially uncovered) to concentrate the flavor. Also, lots of water + only 1.5 hrs can do that.
Made this with my leftover Thanksgiving bird and it was seriously cozy. The thyme/rosemary combo smells amazing while simmering. I skimmed a lot of foam like the instructions said—worth it. 10/10 would make again.
I thought it was too watery. Maybe I misunderstood the water amount??
I think the water amount is just right. Maybe you added too much water at the beginning? It’s key to simmer it well!
Never knew what to do with the leftover bones. Thanks for the recipe! My soup turned out yummy. 🙂
The straining step saved it. I almost skipped it (lazy moment), and then I was grossed out at the debris. Don’t skip!
Delicious! My family loved it! The herbs add such great flavor. I’ll be making this every year after Thanksgiving now!
I’m skeptical about using dried herbs in stock, but wow—smelled incredible while simmering. I’ll make this again.
Honestly same—I was sure dried herbs would taste flat in stock. But the aroma while simmering convinced me. I’m totally trying this again too!
Used leftover turkey bones from Thanksgiving. My husband loved it, can’t believe how easy it was!
Used a chicken carcass instead because I had one left. Is that alright?
I was skeptical at first about using the carcass, but wow, what a flavor! Just remember to clean it well!
So simple! Even my kids liked it… and they usually hate veggies.
Yum! Just made this and my whole family loved it. Super easy recipe, only took a couple of hours. Will make again!
Carrots and celery are the same thing, right? I tossed in some frozen mixed veg instead. ??
This soup is a lifesaver after Thanksgiving! I added some noodles and it was delish!
The instructions are clear, but I’m not sure about 10 cups—when I did it, it felt a little thin. I’d probably reduce it after simmering.
I didn’t have garlic. Used GARLIC POWDER instead. Hope that still counts?
This soup was surprisingly delicious! The flavors were great and made use of that leftover turkey perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it! There’s nothing better than using up leftovers creatively. 😋
Eh, not my favorite. The broth was a bit bland. Maybe I need to add more spices? Didn’t feel like a proper soup to me.
I think you might need to add more herbs or maybe a splash of vinegar. That could help wake up the flavors! Soup’s all about the seasoning, right?
I dunno… I thought it would taste better. Maybe I overcooked it or something? Not as tasty as I imagined.
I totally get it! Sometimes soup just doesn’t come out like you expect. Maybe try adding a bit more seasoning next time? It can really change the flavor!
Overcooking? You might’ve just let it boil too long. This recipe’s ez but not for everyone! 😅
This soup was a lifesaver after Thanksgiving! So comforting and easy to make. Can’t believe I was wasting the carcass before. 5 stars!
Followed the steps pretty much exactly. The broth came out clear after straining, and the veggies were tender but not mushy. Great comfort food.
Nice! I always worry about not skimming enough—did you get a lot of fat/foam? Also, I bet it would work with store-bought stock too, right?
This is exactly how I want it to turn out—clear broth and tender veggies but not mushy. Comfort food perfection!
Meh. It’s fine, but kind of bland for me even with salt and pepper. Could use something brighter like lemon or a stronger herb.
Too many veggies if you ask me. I just wanted the broth and turkey. Next time I’ll skip the carrots.
Too much thyme? I think I put in extra instead of rosemary. Tasted kinda weird.
Pretty straightforward, but 1.5 hours + 30 mins feels like a lot. I did 2 hours total and it came out rich and gelatin-y, though.
Cooking this soup was easier than I thought. Broth is full of flavor and my kitchen smells amazing!!!
I was skeptical about a soup made from leftovers, but wow—tastes like it actually took forever. Skimming foam helps a ton.
Wait… 1.5 hours? That’s basically stock time. But okay, I’ll try it. Does the carcass make it too fatty if you don’t skim a lot? I always mess that part up 😅
Same! I figured it’d be bland leftover mush, but the long simmer + skimming really makes a difference. Thanks for confirming it’s worth the effort.
Super easy and tasty! I might add some corn next time for a little sweetness.
So easy and it feels like real home cooking. I love that you actually pick the turkey meat back out—such a satisfying step. I’ll probably freeze the extra broth next time.
Mine needed more salt at the end (maybe my turkey was saltier or I just under-seasoned). Still delicious though—would make again.
Mine needed more salt at the end. Also I simmered too hard at first and the broth got cloudy, but after skimming it was fine.
This is such a smart way to use up a carcass—makes the whole kitchen smell cozy. I simmered a little longer and it turned out super rich.
I tried it but mine came out kinda cloudy. I think I didn’t skim enough foam or I boiled too hard. Still tasty though!
Love this—carcass soups always taste way more “deep” than plain broth. Cozy kitchen for real 😄
Why not just throw everything in at once? I simmered with the veggies from the start and they turned softer than I like.